Wednesday, October 31, 2012

This photo is first of 102 on NY1 today chronicling the damage done by Hurricane Sandy in Queens, NYC. I find it telling that the Blessed Mother is the only one standing in the midst of rubble. In the same way, she is the refuge we each can take from the the trials of daily life.

Because their website doesn't allow you to cut and paste text or images, I can't re-post their entire list of good ideas to help parents, but I think the most important is informing parents of their right to name the child and give him or her a proper burial.

Also, a name and a proper burial helps others to see the dignity of a child whose life was brief in this world, but whose life is just as important in the eyes of his or her parents and God-- who created that life together.

Monday, October 15, 2012

BELMONT — "Religion is a basic aspect of the well-being of a human being, and therefore it is the kind of thing that is protected by a right to religious liberty," said Dr. Robert P. George in the annual Cuthbert Allen Lecture at Belmont Abbey College. "In its fullest and most robust sense, religion is a human person's being in right relation to the Divine, the more than merely human source of meaning and value."

In his Oct. 4 lecture to a packed house at the Abbey Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, George reflected on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council on Oct. 11, 1962, and focused on the Church's understanding of religious liberty as a universal right, not a privilege that is exclusive to Catholics.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

CHARLOTTE — The eighth annual Eucharistic Congress opened with a concert of sacred music inspired by this year's theme, "Behold the Lamb of God."

The concert was conducted by Dr. Scott Turkington, principal organist and choirmaster of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Charleston, S.C. Instrumental interludes were played by a brass quartet that included members of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and organ accompaniment was provided by Dr. Larry Stratemeyer of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

"Each year we work to present a sacred music concert that brings the listener music that spans the history of the Church," explained Tiffany Gallozzi, director of music at St. Barnabas Church in Arden and organizer of the 45-member choir. "I am always amazed at the great lengths composers, instrumentalists and singers will go through to offer beautiful and dignified music to God."

CHARLOTTE — For the spring 2012 40 Days for Life campaign, Charlotte organizers decided to double their efforts by holding vigils at two area abortion facilities. The result: an astonishing 53 babies saved in Charlotte alone, more than one per day during the 40-day campaign. All the result of dedicated prayer and vigil.

The 11th coordinated national campaign since 2004 got underway Sept. 26, and three cities within the Diocese of Charlotte are participating: Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Greensboro. 40 Days for Life focuses on prayer and fasting, constant vigil and community outreach for the end to abortion.

"Fasting is crucial to the success of this vigil," explained Leslie Marsh, member of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro and coordinator of that city's vigil. "Giving up some of our own creature comforts enables God – the Holy Spirit – to fill us. It is a form of prayer.

"We are really pushing a media fast: turning off your Facebook, TV, radio and spend some quiet time with Christ in contemplation and remaining in silent prayer with Him."